There are a number of reasons why individuals might want to change their career paths. Perhaps you need a higher salary, you’d like to have more free time, or you may have simply found some new interests you would prefer to focus on. No matter the motivation behind this decision, a different career path can often be the right solution for increasing job happiness and satisfaction levels. However, it can also be a difficult and daunting decision, particularly for older adults who feel it’s too late to make a change. The good news is that changing your career path is possible at any age, and here is how you can do it successfully:
Don’t think about money
When deciding to change career paths, money is often the largest obstacle. Some individuals might feel like they can’t afford to enter a new field at the moment, while others are the main providers for their families and consider the potential of failing too risky. Of course, a successful career change can’t be guaranteed. However, you can’t be certain that you won’t have a higher salary and more free time at your new job either. Changing a career path is a calculated risk. Focus on what brings you satisfaction, work on improving yourself and your capabilities, and develop a detailed plan to increase your chances of success.
Prioritize transferrable skills
The fact that changing careers also means starting from scratch once again is another common misconception. In fact, most individuals have plenty of transferrable skills they can leverage, and this doesn’t only include basics such as advanced computer skills. Professionals often have unique competencies that can be quite beneficial as well. For instance, marketers understand customer behaviors well, lawyers have great research and writing skills, and accountants are adept at numbers and reporting. All of these capabilities represent valuable assets in nearly any profession – use them to your advantage.
Focus on practical experience
Along with the right skillsets, many employers look for experience in the field as well. This can often present an issue for adults changing their career paths, as their current experience doesn’t always match the practical industry experience needed for the new role. In those cases, adult apprenticeships can be the perfect solution. Regardless of the field you select, an apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience that’s necessary for landing a profitable role in the new industry, while also expanding your knowledge and providing you with new applicable skills that will make you more employable.
Acquire new competencies
Naturally, new careers will likely require more niche capabilities that you will have to acquire through certifications or additional education. While transferable skills and practical experience can be helpful in this instance, they may not be enough. Consider going back to school, taking some online courses, or even finding good books, podcasts, and webinars to hone your industry-specific skills. Think about your current schedule and the ways in which you learn best, and set more specific development and training goals accordingly. This will allow you to accelerate your path toward success.
Research your opportunities
If you’re considering a specific career path, you’re likely aware of the industry’s common operations and processes, as well as what your jobs could potentially entail. But it might still be a good idea to find some individuals who are currently in that career and ask them for their thoughts and advice. This way, you will be able to gain some first-hand experience, learning more about what it’s truly like to work in your chosen field and how workdays often go. You can also do some research online and join relevant professional organizations that will give you the opportunity to make valuable connections and expand your network.
Develop a good action plan
Once you’ve fully prepared yourself to enter into a new field of work, it will be time to create a detailed action plan. This plan should include both your short-term and long-term career goals, along with any specific milestones you’d like to reach. Consider the time and the necessary steps that are needed for transitioning from your current position into the life you’d like to lead. These factors will give you some motivation to stay persistent and continue moving forward, holding you accountable every step of the way.
While every new change can come with its own challenges, it’s truly never too late to change your career. Invest in your personal and professional development, create a good plan and follow it, and increase your chances of a successful career change.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
